Chica, Lady, Girl, Missy, Chick, Mujer, etc…when you are of the female gender, no matter where you are in world, you grow up with many names to respond to. Depending on what language you use, you even speak with a male or female “voice.” But no matter what, you are a woman right? So what is the deal with people referring to women as “females?”

Personally, I’ve always been tickled when both men and women refer to ladies as “females” because I’ve always thought of “female” as a term to categorize sex, and “woman” to humanize the “female.” Get it? Especially since the term “female” is also used to describe animals, and I don’t have a tail. For many it’s interchangeable when describing vagina holders human or not, but sharing a home with 2 single men (and 5-6 of their friends) has led to a few observations, namely when the two terms are used. Normally, when the subject/tone is one of lament or aggravation towards women, the term “female” is used. When the subject/tone is more familial or personal, the term “woman/women” is used. What is even more interesting is that fact the term “female” is never used when describing little girls, when they are in fact females.

So which one do you prefer ladies? Is it even an issue for you? Amuse my curiosity in the comments below.

This vintage ad/picture has nothing to do with this post, other than the fact that I was drinking beer while writing it.

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Okay, (now that I’ve read it) I don’t so much mind the use of “female” as a matter of principle but I think tone and context make a huge difference. I hate when people use it only to describe women in a derogatory sense but just substitute the more acceptable “female” for “bitch/ho/slut/etc”. You can usually tell when someone’s doing that when they unnecessarily stress the first syllable of the word. I don’t know why, but starting a sentence with “These FE-males” is the universal sign for “I’m about to say some BS”.

Gimmy

Above, female just sounds a bit formal and even clinical. Unless I’m filling out the US Census form or some other application, woman works just fine for me. Perhaps the men using “female” to express aggravation need to find another outlet for their misogyny.

Alysiasimone

I HATE the term female. With a passion. It’s de-humanzing. Turns the subject into an animal. I find most times it’s used, by men or women, its’ just another way of saying bitch, ho, heffa, etc. without actually saying those words. Sometimes young girls use it in an effort to be cool or hard ‘Yo! these females out here be trippin’!’ But just end up sounding uneducated and hood. SMH

in all seriousness I don’t think either one implies negative connotations. Now if you put up the argument about whether or not it’s cool to call oneself a bad bitch then we could talk.

DJ Sakir

I’ve never been comfortable with the term “female” around me. In most conversations, it comes across as a polite way of saying, “bitch”. I have to school heads all the time. Why is it when we speak of men, they are referred to as such when many of the ones we speak of do not demonstrate the characteristics of a “man” but yet a “male”? I am a woman period, and like to be addressed as one. Anyone with a vagina can be a female but not all of us are “women”. I have earned this title and I deserve due respect. Maybe I should go hard and really check people like doctors do when they aren’t addressed correctly.

DJ Sakir

I’ve never been comfortable with the term “female” around me. In most conversations, it comes across as a polite way of saying, “bitch”. I have to school heads all the time. Why is it when we speak of men, they are referred to as such when many of the ones we speak of do not demonstrate the characteristics of a “man” but yet a “male”? I am a woman period, and like to be addressed as one. Anyone with a vagina can be a female but not all of us are “women”. I have earned this title and I deserve due respect. Maybe I should go hard and really check people like doctors do when they aren’t addressed correctly.